Key-cutting machine.



' 'E. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY CUTTING MACHINE. APPLICATION EILED FEB. 19. 1514.

Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

8 SHEETSSHEET I.

E. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 19.1914.

gun 2 74 Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 2- E. A. CHRISTOPH- KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

APPHCATION FILED FEB. -19 I914.

Patented 01;. 23,1917.

8 SHEETSSHEET 3- E. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 19. I914- Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

B SHEETS-SHEET 4- E. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 19. 1914.

1,243,810. v Patented Oct. 23,1917.

v 8 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

t. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY cunme MACHINE. v

APPLIICATION FILED FEB. 19. 1914.

1,243,810. v Patnted Oct. 23,1917.-

8 SHEETSSHEET 6.

E. A. CHRISTOPH.

KEY QUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLE'D FEB. 19. 1914.

Patented Oct. 23,1917.

8 SHEETS'-SHEET 7.

35 J25 H7 5 m og 104 115 L79 1/6 w, I V jaw/Z6 9 ZQZJLGJJC'J- a 9 M iw E. A. CHRISTOPH'.

KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

'APPLICATION FILED FEB. 19.1914.

Patented Oct. 23,1917.

8 SHEETSSHEET 8- O 0 0 O O O 0 O O O O O O O 0 O O 0 O O O O O 0Q Q Q 0 0 O O O O O O O O O O O 0 O O 0 O O O O O O O O 0 O O O Q Q O 0 O O O O O O O0 o Q 0 o O o 0 o Q o O O 0 O O O 0 O O o 0 0 O O 0 0 O O o 0 0 O o o o O 00 I w. Inn

EMIL A. CHRISTOPH, OF CHICAGO,

ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE KING PORATION OF ILLINOIS.

LOCK COMPANY, OF

ILLINOIS, assrcnon, BY manor AND MESNE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COR- KEY-CUTTING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed. February 19, 1914. Serial No. 819,765.

ed for cutting keys similar to those illustrated in my two pending applications, See

' rial No. 795,662 and Serial No. 805,327.

The invention has among its objects the production of a machine for accurately cutting any desired number of keys, which are identical, particularly where the keys are intended for a very sensitive look, similar to those described in the applications referred to. The invention also has among its objects the production of a machine in which at any time afterward the keys may be accurately duplicated. The machine herein described is also arranged to cut the keys in different ways, so that the same, if desired, have what may be termed a plurality of independent cani faces. The machines illustrated are adapted to out several of these independent or dissimilar faces at the same time, if so desired, the same being different, or that is. not parallel. Means is also provided for controlling the operation of the machine. so that the machine may be mech anically controlled to cut the desired number of duplicate keys, or at any future time to duplicate a key when the particular key is identified. This is among the particular objects of the machine, for by being able to accurately control the machine, keys may be constructed or duplicated, and the different keys so varied that innumerable variations are possible. each of which may be duplicated to fit an extremely sensitive lock. The invention has among its further objects the production of a device of the kind described that is simple, convenient, efficient, rapid in operation. and satisfactory, and which does not require a skilled operator to manipulate. i

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, characters indicate parts,

Figure 1 is a top plan View of the machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the same;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the same machine, equipped to cut additional cam faces on the key;

Fig. 5 is a View in elevation of a cam adapted to mechanically control the machine;

Fig. 6 is substantially a sectional View on line 6, 6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a key cut on the machine;

Fig. 8 is a similar view of the reverse side of the key;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view 9 of Fig. 7 v

Fig. 10 is a plan View of three types of plates for which the key shown is adapted;

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the cutting mechanismshown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on line 1212 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a front elevation of a modified form of machine;

Fig. 1 1 is a sectional View of the same taken substantially on line 14, 14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a top elevation of a portion of the same;-

Fig. 16 is a perspective View of a portion of the same;

Fig. 17 is a View similar to Fig. 14, illustrating the-cutting of the other edge of the key, and

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 18, 18 of Fig. 16.

As was before mentioned, the machine is intended for cutting keys similar to those described in my two pending applications previously set forth. It may make the understanding of the machine clear to first refer to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, in which this type of key is shown, it being understood that the keys shown are merely for illustration, and except for the same lock, no two keys are alike. This key is adapted to co-act with a lock having plate tumblers similar wherein like reference like or corresponding taken on line 9,

Patented Oct. 23, 1917.

.5, 7 and- 9, may

to the tumblers 1, 2 and 3 shown in Fig. 10. These three plates are merely mentioned and shown for illustration, as the tumblers and lock for which the key is intended, may be varied in any way to co-act with the keys, the particular lock'forming no part of the present invention. The key 4 shown is cut with the edges 5 irregular, or with undulations, as shown, the same being parallel in this particular key. The key may also, and is preferably cut with the bead 6 upon. one side having parallel faces or edges 7, 7, and with a groove 8 upon the opposite side, having preferably parallel faces 9, 9. This, however, is not material in this application, as the keys may be cut in any desired way, the brief description of the ke Y and plates being only to illustrate the purpose of the present machine. The several faces or edges extend parallel or not, as may be desired. As a matter of fact it is immaterial how they extend, since the locks are made to fit the keys, and not the keys to fit the lock. A considerable number of keys might have a portion of the faces similar, but with the remaining faces all different, the idea being to produce a key in which there is no limit to thenumber of possible variations in keys and locks, and which keys cannot be readily duplicated by filing or similar operations. In constructing the keys, however, they are preferably cut by employing a machine which may be controlled mechanically, and which might be saidautomatically, so that 'if a key is-cut, and at some future time it is desired to duplicate that particular key, it may be done without using one of the original keys, but by reference to an identifying character or number kept by the original manufacturer of the key. In the machines illustrated herein, I employ what may be termed a cam face member having a plurality of irregular cam faces or undulations in one or both of the edges thereof, which undulations may be cut in any desired manner, and in accordance with a predetermined design, or haphazard at the fancy of the cam maker. This cam member may be made of any desired size, preferably in strips of considerable length, the same being arranged for keeping a record of the particular space or part of the cam which was employed to cut a particular key. Not only may the cam be shifted so as to modify the keys, but the key itself may be maintained in the machine in different ways, or the cutting mechanism varied, so that the number of changes or variations which are possible may be accurately said to be without limit. A portion of the cam member is shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in which 10 represents a cam member strip provided with cam faces 11, two cam faces being shown on this particular cam. The same is also provided with a plurality elusive.

the cutters are moved,

of holes 12, which are staggered as shown, and forming a simple and convenient construction for keeping an accurate record of the portion of the cam used, as will be more fully described hereafter.

Onetype of machine which may be em-. ployed for cutting the keys is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3. 4:, 11 and12. Another type of machine is shown in Figs. 13 to 18 in- Referring first to the first mentioned machine, 15 represents a frame of any suitable form or design having a suitable bed upon which is mounted a sliding carriage 16. The carriage shown may be reciprocated upon the bed in any desired manner. As shown, it is provided with an extension 17 extending through the opening18 in the bed, and engaging with the threaded or screw member 19, which is driven by a hand wheel 20, or other suitable power. riage 16 are key carrying standards or supports 21 and 22. The standards shown are mounted on an adjustable base 23, which is pivotally secured at 2% to the carriage, and which may be maintained in the desired po sition by thumb screws .25, or their equivalents. By constructing the machine in this manner, and by varying the adjustment of the screws 25, the keys will be cut slightly difierent than those keys cut at a. different adjustment, as will be clear from the further description of the machine. The key may be secured to the standards 21 and 22 in any suitable manner. I have shown for the purpose slidable members 26, arranged on the key supports, and secured in position by thumb nuts 27 (see"Fi'gs. 1, 2 and 3) or the equivalent. The members 26 are provided with extensions 28, and the key secured in position between the members 28 and the part 30 on the standards 21 and 22. The keys may be centered in the clamping members by inserting a pin .29 (see Figs. 1.

2 and 3) provided with a thumb nu-t end for convenience .in operating, which passes through the hole in the end of the key.

(See Figs. 3 and 7). 4

Mounted on the bed are one'or more, as

shown a pair of standards 32, which carry a shaft 33, and which are extended as at 34 and carry another shaft 35. Shaft 33 is maintained in position by the, part 3 t,

and shaft 35 may be maintained in position by the bearing piece 36- (see Fig. 2). Carr1ed by the shafts 33 and 35, are arms 37 and 38. The arm 38 carries a shaft 42 provided with a suitably formed cutter -1-l, and arm 37 carries a shaft 43 provided witha suitablyformed cutter 45. This type of machine is arranged to cut the faces 5, 5 on the two edges of the key, the key being moved transversely of the cutters at the same time so as to cut the faces in an irregular manner upon the key. The

Arranged on the cara" movement of the cutters is controlled by the cam member 10, or its equivalent, previously described.

As shown, mounted upon the carriage 16 is a pair of standards 49 and 50 arranged to carry the cam and move the same with the key, so that the key is cut to correspond with a portion of the cam.

In addition to moving with the carriage, the standards -19 and 50 in the machine shown are also arranged to be moved at right angles to the travel of the carriage, so as to move the cam out of operative controlling position, as hereafter described. I As shown, the two cam carrying arms 49 are mounted upon a tilting'bed 53, similar to the tilting bed 23 previously mentioned, the position of which is controlled by thumb nuts 60, or their equivalents. It is not necessary to have the bed 53 tilt, but the same is shown as a possible construction. The tilting bed is secured to a sliding bed 54:, the same sliding transversely or at right angles to the travel of the bed 16. In order to control the transverse movement of the bed 54, the same is provided with an extended part 55 at each end, and through which passes a rod 56 extending lengthwise the machine, the extensions 55 being slidable on the rod. The rod is carried by bracket 57 at each end of the machine, and is slidable in the slot 57 therein, shown in Fig. 2. Secured to a shaft 59 is a pair of arms 58, which are slidably connected with the rod 56, and arranged so that as the arms 58 are rocked, the rod 56 is moved in the slot 57 thereby moving the bed plate 34, and with it the standards 49. Vith this construction, how ever, the carriage 16 and the standards are free to move on the bed of the frame 15 of the machine. The rod or shaft 59 may be rocked in any desired manner, as shown, a foot lever 62 being provided for the purpose.

The cam member 10 is secured in position in the standards by clamping members 64, and thumb screws 65, or their equivalents, which thumb screws extend through the holes 12 in the cam 10 and maintain the same in position. As most clearly shown in Fig. 2, the arms 37 and 38 are provided with faces or knife edges 68 and 69, arranged to co-act with the faces on the cam. The two ends are maintained in engagement with the cam by a resilient member or spring 70, or its equivalent for the purpose. As is obvious, as the key and cam are moved, the cam causes the cutters 4:4 and 15 to move transversely the key, while the key is being moved along, cutting a series of cam faces upon the key, the same depending upon the contour of cam faces upon the of the cam standards 49 and 50 is preferably controlled by stops, consisting of the brackets 71 secured to the carriage 16, which carry screw or adjustable members 72. Any equivalent construction may be employed.

'As is obvious, the position of the cam controls the distance between the cutters, so that if the adjustable members 72 are'shifted, keys of different width may be con-- structed without changing any of the other adjustments; also if the foot lever 62 is dea operations of the key.

As was previously mentioned, and as illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9, the key may be and is preferably cut with a plurality of independent or dissimilar cam faces, by forming a bead 6 upon one side and a groove 8 upon the other. It might also be mentioned at this time that the key may be so cut as to form a considerable number of dissimilar cam faces upon one key by adding additional cutters, or changing the shape of the same. In Figs. 4c, 11 and 12 an attachment is shown for cutting the bead 6 upon the keys, and if desired, the edges or faces 5, 5 at the same time. Referring to these figures, cutters 74 and 75 are arranged to cut the key with the bead 6 upon it, having faces 7, 7, the key support and cam supports being the same as previously employed. The attachment shown comprises an extension or part 76, adapted to be positioned on the standard 32 to take the place of the part 34. This part 76 carries a shaft '78, upon I which is pivotally mounted an arm 79, carrying ends 80 and 81 adapted to co-act with the cam 10. A spring 82 maintains the parts in engagement with the cam, one of the arms being preferably pivoted to the arm 79. By employing the spring 82 there is no chance for the arms 80 and S1 to wedge or pinch the cam, and the same also prevents excessive wear on the cam in case there should be any tendency to pinch. As is obvious, if the cam is one provided with a cam face on one edge only, the spring 82 may be attached to.the part of the arm cooperating with the cam, and the other end attached to some fixed part of the machine, the results being the same. The part 76 carries a vertically slidable head 83, the same traveling in guides S on the part. The head, as mentioned, carries two sets of cutters, each set in the construction shown operating on different portions" longitudinally of the key, (see Fig. 12), it being possible to vary the cutting of different keys or series of keys by adjusting the sets of cutters relatively longitudinally of the key. The slidable head 83 is provided with a slotted bracket 87, which cotiperates with a pin 85 carried on the end 86 of the arm 79.

&

The cutters 7 4 and 75 are arranged on shafts 88 and 89, which may be driven by pulleys 91 and 92, or their equivalents for the purpose. As is obvious, as the arm 79 is moved under the action of cam member 10, the cutters 74 and 7 5 are moved to cut the key with the bead 6, the faces 9 of which are undulated, or that is formed with a plurality of cam faces. In the case illustrated they are parallel. In this device shown in Figs. 4., 11 and 12, I have shown cutters 95 and 96 mounted upon shafts 93 and 91 respectively, which are carried by brackets 98 secured to the sliding plate 88. IVith this attachment, when both sets of cutters are employed, and

' the cutters are arranged to cut at different places on the key, as illustrated in Fig. 11 and asabove set forth, although they 'are both controlled by one cam, yet the cam faces cut on the key, although similar through a portion of their length, are not parallel. Therefore, a variation in the key may be brought about by adjusting the cutters and leaving the cam in the same position inits standards. I have not considered it necessary to show a cutter for cuttingjhe groove 8, the construction in this case being simple to those skilled in the art. As is obvious, if the key carrier is adjusted upon the carriage 16 by tilting of its support 23, through the adjustment of the screws 25, the key will also be varied, or that is it will not be identical with the key cutwhen the parts are in a different position. Likewise, if the cam is reversed, either by turning over or turning around, or if the key is turned around in its key support, another different key will be cut differing from akey cut at the same place in the same cam. It is thus obvious that it" may be accurately said that with a cam of'even limited length, and a machine similar to that described,

' countless keys may be cut, differing enough to prevent a key from opening any but the lock constructed to fit it, where the lock is anywise sensitive.

The advantage of cutting keys in this manner is that if a record is kept of the cam, and the particular part employed, together with the setting of the machine after cutting a particularkey, that key may be accurately and positively duplicated, and will control the most sensitive look as if it were an original key. On the other hand, by constructing keys similar to the keys shown, it is impossible to file a similarly cut key blank to duplicate a previously cut key similar to those described. In the portion of the cam illustrated in Fig. 5, a convenient arrangement for indicating the plates upon'the cam, which is used for a particular key, is shown. It will be noted that the series of holes are divided into tens, numerals indicating the particular hole, or a series indicated by a letter. The letters and characters may be added to,

or their position on the cam modified so course, understood that any equivalent arrangement may be employed.

In the type of machine shown'in Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive, mechanism is employed for cutting one side of the key, the mechanism being controlled by a suitably cut cam similar to that previously described, or with a series of faces on one side only. If it is desired to cut the other edge of the key parallel, the key is reversed and the cut edge used in the same manner as the cam for controlling the cutting. In the other machine the cutting mechanism was movable and con-' trolled by the cam. Vhile in thistype of machine the key holder is movable relative the cutter, so as to cut the cam faces upon the key, a very simplified type of machine is shown, in which a frame provided with a suitable bed 101 carries a rotatable shaft 102, the same being supported by bearings or standards 103. This part of the machine is very similar to an ordinary lathe construction, and, in fact, a lathe can be employed for the purpose. Mounted upon the shaft 102 is a rotary cutter 105. The dam and key holder are suitably mounted upon a carriage 106, which is carried by the bed 101, and which may be actuated or reciprocated parallel with the shaft 102 in any desired manner. Carried by the carriage 106 and arranged to move transversely to its direction of travel, is an auxiliary carriage 107. Referring particularly to Fig. 16, in which the same is most clearly shown,,the carriage 107 is pro vided with members 108, in which the cam I and with holes 112, and is held in its brackets 108 by a thumb pin 109, adapted. to pass through the holders 113 'and engage in the cam member, and by a thumb screw 114.

The key 104 is secured in key holders, consisting of the parts 115 carriedkby the carriage-107, which are provided with clamping-members 115', secured in place by the screws and thumb nuts 116 and 117 and 118 and 119 respectively. The bolt 116 is arranged and adapted to pass through the hole in the key, so as to center the same. Car ried by the bed 101 is a cam pin 120 arranged to co-act with the edge 111 on the cam member 110. The cam is maintained in engagement with the pin 120 by springs. 121, se-

cured to the carriage 107, and to pins 112,

or their equivalents, carried by the carriage 106. As is obvious, as the carriage 106, carrying the cam and key, is moved parallel with the shaft 102, cooperating with the cam A cam face is thereby out upon the edge of the key similar to the cam face 111, and corresponding in contour to it for the portion of the travel of the carriage, except, however, that the same is reversed on the key.

If it is desired to cut the other edge of the key parallel to the edge out by means of the cam, the key may be turned over and the pin 120 moved up so as to contact with the key, as shown in Fig. 17, so that the key and pin cause the carriage to move so as to cut the opposite edge of the key parallel with the cut edge.

The cam may as to vary the different be turned about so as site direction relative the cam. Likewise, the pieces may be changed and shifted to give various adjustments substantially in effect to the other machine previously debe shifted step by step, so keys, or the same may scribed. By providing the holes in the cams, the same may be accurately moved or stepped along so as to make a definite variation in each key. The machine illustrated in Figs. 13 to 18 is particularly convenient for cutting or duplicating cams, but the cams may be out upon any style of machine, or- .even by hand. While practically a considerable number of variations of adjustments of the machine are mentioned, there maybe many others, this depending upon the type of machine.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same within the scope of the pending claims without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement or combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a key cutting machine, the combination of a frame, a plurality of cutters rotatable in a common plane and adjustably carried by said frame, key holding means slidably mounted upon said frame, and controlling means for said cutters slidably mounted upon said frame, and comprising a member provided with a series of cam faces, and adjustable means for maintaining the same in the desired operative relation with the cutting mechanism, said controlling means being of such character as to differently affect the movement of the cutters for difierent portions of the adjustment.

2.. In a key cutting machine, the combination of a suitable frame provided with a carriage slidably mounted thereon, means for supporting a key blank on said carriage, cutting mechanism arranged to cut a key blank carried by said supporting means, and I cutting mechameans for controlling said of the key are nism, whereby both edges ried by said to cut from the oppo-' ters for each successive key to be out, whereby one key may be cut to correspond with a portion of said cam faces, and a successive key with another portion.

3. In a key cutting machine, the combination of a frame provided with suitable standards thereon, cutting mechanism including a plurality of rotatable cutters carstandards, carrier mounted on said frame and arranged to carry the key in proximity to said cutting mechanism, and means for moving said cutting mechanism transversely to the direction of travel ofthe key, whereby a series of undulations are cut on the key, including a member provided with a series of cam faces thereon arranged to cooperate with the cutting mechanism, and'means for adjustably supporting the cam member, whereby different portions of the cam will operate to give a difierent series of movements to the cutters for each adjustable position of the cam.

4:. In a key cutting machine of the kind described and in combination, a pair of cooperating rotary cutters spaced from each other, a key carrier common to said cutters and movable in a direction to carry the key lengthwise between said cooperating cutters, and adjustable controlling means for moving said cutters in a direction transversely to the direction of travel of the key, said controlling means being of such character as to difierently affect the movement of the cutters for different portions of adjustment.

5. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a pair of cooperating rotary cutters spaced from each other, a key carrier commoii to both cutters and movable in a direction to carry the key into cutting engagement with and between said cooperating cutters, and means for moving said outters in a direction transversely to the direction of travel of the key, comprising a suitably formed cam member having a plurality of cam faces thereon, means for adjustably supporting said cam member, said cam member of such size that only a portion of the faces are acted upon for each movement of the key carrier for each complete cutting operation, whereby different portions of the cam will operate to give different series of movements to the cutters for. each adjusted position of the cam.

6. In a device of the kind described and in combination, operating rotary cutters, the cutters of each pair spaced from each other, a key carrier common to said cutters, said key carrier movable in a direction to bring the key bea slidable key blank tween said cutters and in engagement therewith, and movable means common to all of said cutters for simultaneously moving said cutters in a direction transversely to the direction of travel of the key carried by said carrier.

7. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a pair of cooperating rotary cutters arranged in the same plane with their cutting edges spaced from each other, a reciprocating key carrier movable in a direction to bring the key between the cutters, with one edge in engagement with one cutter and the other edge in engagement with the other cutter, and adjustable means for moving said cooperating cutters transversely of the key, said means arranged to control said cutters in different series of movements for each of a series of reciprocations of the key carrier, whereby for different' adjustments of said means the cutters are moved differently for each movement of the carrier during a cutting operation.

key holding means slidably able relative to their -8. In a key cutting machine,-the combination of a suitable frame, a pair of cooperating cutters rotatable in a common plane and transversely and simultaneously movable relative their axis of rotation in said plane, mounted upon said frame, and adjustable means for mov mg said cooperating cutters, in a predetermined manner transversely of the key carried'by said key holding means depending on the particular adjustment of said means.

9. In a key cutting machine, the combination of a suitable frame, a pair of cooperatlng cutters rotatable in a common plane, and transversely and simultaneously movaxis of rotation in said plane, mounted upon said frame, and movable in a direction to project the key between said cutters, and means for transversely moving key holding means slidably said cooperating cutters in a predetermined and difi'erent manner for each of a series of successive keys, whereby eachsucceeding key dilfers from the preceding one.

10. In a key cutting machine, the combination of a-suitable frame, a plurality of pairs of cooperating rotatable cutters, transversely and simultaneously movable relative to their axis of rotation, key holding means slidably mounted upon said frame, and movable in a direction to project the key between said cutters, and means for transversely moving said cooperating cutters in a predetermined and different manner for each of a series of successive keys, comprising a suitably formed movable cam member, having a plurality of dissimilar cam faces, means for adjustably. carrying said cam member said cam member operatively connected with and controlling said cutters, and of a size and character that only a portion of said faces are acted on for each key cut, whereby different portions of the cam will operate to give different movements of the cutters.

11. The combination in a key cutting machine of a key blank holder,.a suitable cutter, said parts relatively movable in a plurality of directions, and means for controlling the movement of one of the partsrelative the other, including a suitably formed member having a series of cam faces thereon, and provided with a plurality of spaced holes therethrough and with suitable characters for identifying the holes to determine the particular cam faces employed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EMIL A. CHRISTOPH. Witnesses:

ROY W. HILL, CHARLES I. CoBB. 

